At a Glance
- Tasks: Support North East farmers with business advice and project development.
- Company: Join the Northumberland National Park Authority, promoting rural growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work options, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that empowers local farming communities and drives sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree in agri-business or equivalent experience; strong knowledge of farming systems.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 38220 € per year.
North East Farm Business Support Service delivered by Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA) on behalf of the North East Combined Authority (NECA).
Job Purpose
To support the North East farming community and work as part of the team to successfully deliver the Farm Business Support Service workstream of the North East Rural Growth Programme. Provide business advice, support and signposting to farm businesses throughout Northumberland, County Durham and rural Gateshead.
Key Result Areas
- Strategy Development and Implementation
- Work with the North East Farm Business Support Service team to support and advise farm businesses throughout the North East.
- Work closely with Business Northumberland, Business Durham and Business Gateshead to ensure business referrals are acted upon in a timely manner.
- Ensure delivery of project key performance indicators and maintain accurate records for project reporting.
- Keep up to date on farming and forestry policy and available grants to ensure advice provided is relevant and accurate.
- Provide detailed technical advice and deliver training to farmers, landowners and land managers.
- Project Development and Implementation
- Work with the North East Farm Business Support team to identify and develop opportunities for farm businesses.
- Develop and manage a pipeline of farmers to take part in the programme.
- Promotion of the programme throughout Northumberland, County Durham and Gateshead.
- Support farmers with application forms and associated requirements i.e. consents and quotations.
- Support project and programme level evaluation, including reporting to funding bodies.
- Responsible for reaching agreed targets set within the programme.
- Ensure that work and service provision is carried out in a manner which safeguards the health and safety of the workforce and the general public observing and applying H & S Policy and Practices.
- Report to the designated H & S representative accidents and dangerous occurrences.
- Partnership and Liaison
- Work with partner organisations and other rural business advisors, attending meetings and contributing expertise to help interpret farming and related rural issues to a wider audience.
- As part of a team, support a culture which fosters innovation, creativity, open communication and collaboration throughout the programme.
- Other Duties
- Proactively support the promotion of equality and inclusion in all areas of work.
- Ensure that work and service provision is carried out in a manner which safeguards the health and safety of the workforce and the general public observing and applying Health & Safety Policy and Practices.
- Comply with General Protection Data Regulation (GDPR) and implement Memorandum of Understanding with key partners, as appropriate.
- Undertake any other duties consistent with the post as may be directed by the North East Farm Business Support Service Manager.
Person Specification
Essential Requirements
- Knowledge
- In depth knowledge and experience of working with farm businesses and delivering business support.
- Educated to degree level in a land-based or agri-business discipline or equivalent level of experience.
- Strong understanding of farm businesses, including current opportunities and challenges within the sector.
- Knowledge of current agricultural, environmental and forestry policy and issues facing rural communities, particularly farm businesses.
- Knowledge of farming systems in the North East, experience in arable and mixed farming is desirable.
- Knowledge and experience of woodland creation and management is desirable.
- Experience
- Experience of project based working and accurate record keeping.
- Experience and in-depth knowledge of farming and land management systems.
- Experience in preparing business plans, cash flows and grant applications.
- Understanding of current environmental policy and available grants.
- Experience of working effectively with farmers, landowners and other statutory agencies.
- Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage, discuss and negotiate effectively with a range of stakeholders.
- Strong influencing skills, with the ability to build productive working relationships and support successful project delivery.
- Confident in the use of information technology systems, including the use of Microsoft Office 365, MS Teams and GIS applications.
- Personal Qualities
- Ability to travel across the North East to fulfil the requirements of the post.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
- Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team to manage a varied workload effectively.
- Organised with strong time management skills.
- Enthusiastic about supporting sustainable farm businesses.
Locations
Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer in Hexham, Northumberland employer: Northumberland National Park Authority
At Northumberland National Park Authority, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting the farming community in the North East. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, while offering flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact on rural enterprises, all while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Northumberland and the chance to contribute to sustainable farming practices.
Contact Detail:
Northumberland National Park Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer in Hexham, Northumberland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with local farmers, agricultural groups, and industry events. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for farming! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for supporting sustainable farm businesses. Let them see how committed you are to making a difference in the rural community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest farming policies and challenges. Being knowledgeable about current issues will help you stand out and show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer in Hexham, Northumberland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you understand the farming and rural enterprise landscape. Highlight your knowledge of current agricultural policies and challenges in your application. We want to see that you’re not just passionate but also informed!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer role. Show us how your background aligns with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to present your experience and skills. We appreciate strong written communication skills, so make sure your application reflects that!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application form there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumberland National Park Authority
✨Know Your Farming Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of current agricultural policies and issues facing rural communities. Being able to discuss recent developments in farming and forestry will show that you're genuinely interested and informed about the sector.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully supported farm businesses or managed projects. Highlight your experience with business plans, cash flows, and grant applications to demonstrate your capability in delivering business support.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can effectively communicate and build relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced and negotiated with farmers, landowners, and other agencies in the past, as this role requires strong interpersonal skills.
✨Be Organised and Proactive
Demonstrate your organisational skills by preparing a list of questions about the role and the team. Show that you're self-motivated and can manage a varied workload, which is crucial for success in this position. A proactive attitude will set you apart!
